Cigar Reviews

Monthly Recap – May 2014 – Jeremy Hensley Edition

At the start of 2014, I began tracking each and every cigar I have smoked. Well, I may have missed one or two. Based on discussions I’ve seen on Twitter and questions on this site and others, I decided to compile some information that I thought you might find interesting.

Monthly Recap – May

Number of Cigars Smoked: 38

Of those smoked:

Purchased: 23 or 60%

Samples Provided: 9 or 24%

Traded: 5 or 13%

Gifted: 1 or 3%

Of those purchased:

Brick & Mortar: 13 or 57%

Online: 10or 43%

Top Cigars Smoked by Quantity

#1. J. Fuego – Sangre De Toro (Original) – # Smoked = 4 : I thought Apil’s recap was going to be the last time this cigar was going to end up in the number 1 spot. But, here it is again. I burned through four more in the month of May. I love the full flavors and convenient size. Perfect cigar to close out the day or accompany you on the way home from work.

#2. Henry Clay – # Smoked = 2: I traded for a handful of these sticks a month or so back and I am already wishing I traded for more. If you are fan of Connecticut Broadleaf, this cigar will be right up your alley. This cigar is old fashion, rustic, and dang good. Tony did a quick draw of the cigar here.

Most Memorable Cigars Smoked

#1. Padron – 1926 Maduro – Earlier this year, a small cigar shop located in an area casino had a buy 1 get 1 free sale going on, so I grabbed every remaining Padron 1926 Maduro #35’s on the shelf. The shop already had lower than normal cigar price and with the buy 1 get 1 free deal going on, I snagged the 12 remaining sticks for under $55. This is probably the best deal I have ever come across. In May, Tony and I lit a couple up. I was completely blown away by the balanced yet full flavors with the right mix of spice, coffee, dusty cocoa, and woodsy notes. it will be a sad day when these are gone.

#2. Drew Estate – Nica Rustica – I really hope to wake up to a bundle of these sitting on my night stand Father’s Day morning. This may be favorite release to-date by Drew Estate. Not only does this cigar pump out as much smoke as Drew Estate’s more premium line, Liga Privada, they also pour out as much flavor and strength. As long as the Nica Rustica remains in stock at the local tobacconist, I do not see myself reaching for a LP anytime soon considering the Nica Rustica can be picked up for half the price.

Even though the Espinosa Maduro wears a Mexican wrapper, I did not pick up on the unique, easily identifiable San Andres Maduro flavors I usually get. However, this cigar still delivered very enjoyable flavors of cocoa, spice, earth, and woodsy notes. The rich final third to the stick was a great ending to the experience.

While I did not find the Crux Passport overly complex, I never found myself bored with the cigar. The cedar, woodsy flavor held strong throughout, accompanied by more subtle citrus and honey notes. The Passport does not lack in the spice department either.

Willy Herrera far exceeded my expectation with the Herrera Esteli Lancero – Edicion Limitada 2014. This small ring gauge brought more body, fuller flavors, and a good amount of strength to the table. From start to finish, this stick was an absolute treat.

The La Musa Melete was an interesting and intriguing smoke. The subtleties in the profile and the change-ups kept me engaged and desiring more. I will definitely be hunting more of these down and I hope I can still get my hands on the Lancero.

Jeremy Hensley is a bean counter for a non-profit in El Paso, Texas. He is married to the most understanding wife (he still can’t figure out how she puts up with his cigar smoking hobby), and blessed with two beautiful children. When he is not acting like a kid, he enjoys everything outdoors, especially fishing with his dad in the Great Lakes. Also, he meets the criteria of being a Casa Fumando reviewer: being a hockey fan. Feel free to contact Jeremy anytime via email (jmhensley13[at]gmail[dot]com). And make sure to follow him on twitter http://twitter.com/pdn_jdog